by James Thomas

Created on: November 11, 2009

"Wars maybe fought with weapons, but they are won by men. It is the spirit of men who follow and of the man who leads that gains the victory."

George S. Patton (Bartlett, 987)

Every great leader in our history can tell a story of how they achieved their goals. They suffered through the years of work and yielded sacrifices of sweat to obtain their intangible dreams. Such leaders labored to find their dreams to be lacking and incomplete. The dream that compelled Christ to his goal was eternal and yet obtainable. Yielding greater sacrifices to a goal, he knew filled every void. Christ is a living example of leadership that no one can match. Christ saw our need and with boldness, he led us home.

The principles of Jesus' leadership style serve us as a reference that we can use to examine ourselves as leaders in his church. Can I apply his principles in my life? Can I recognize these principles as the method in which Christ now leads me? Examine these principles according to Michael Youssef and my opinions on scriptures supporting these views.

First, Jesus received confirmation before he could lead, and so must we. We ask many Christians of their personal testimony, something in which God called them into His service. Christ, who was the fullness of God, acted in like manner. The spirit descended like a dove and anointed Jesus as the only leader into eternity. In 1 Timothy 4:14, Timothy was confirmed into the ministry with the laying on of hands and with that they gave him spiritual gifts for an effective ministry. Jesus and Timothy understood the importance of the blessing of confirmation that it passes down permission, power, and encouragement.

Second, leaders acknowledge the giants who preceded them. Just as a plant returns nourishments to its roots, we cannot forget those who rooted our personal Christian tree. Those who were leaders before us and helped us climb to the pinnacle upon which we are viewed must be acknowledged. Acknowledge them first for the support they hold with other members and second for the wisdom they have that can be used for future reference. "For I say unto you, among those that are born of women there is not a greater prophet than John the Baptist." Luke 7:28a

Third, good shepherds know their sheep; good leaders know their followers. Knowledge is power and there is power in the name. Also, there is power in knowing the name. It stands proven that people will more often listen to you when you call them by name. "My sheep hear my voice,

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